We had the good fortune of connecting with Brett Emmers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brett, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Plus 3 Golf represents more than a business venture – it embodies the resilience of my personal transformation. My journey took an unexpected turn in 2006 as a member of the East Carolina University golf team, where I suffered an ACL injury during my freshman year. This injury triggered deeper mental health challenges, leading to a battle with substance abuse and a diagnosis of Major Depression Disorder. After redshirting my freshman year, I faced further setbacks, including another sprained ACL in my left knee, which ultimately resulted in the loss of my scholarship. Over the next several years, I battled those mental obstacles, which eventually took their last swing.

In 2014, I survived a suicide attempt using a cocktail of narcotics and street drugs. This would reshape the course of my life positively. It showed me the dire need for comprehensive, extensive help. I soon checked into a six-month rehabilitation program, which marked the beginning of my journey back to self-discovery. Throughout my recovery process, I strategically incorporated golf and research into my daily efforts, making intentional steps toward personal development. This led me to formulate a business plan that addressed critical issues within the golf space, particularly focusing on the connection between mental health and golf.

In 2023, Plus 3 Golf was established as a 501(c)3, marking a milestone in my recovery and company development. With a foundation built on proven studies showing the effectiveness of golf as therapy for mental health, we aspire to be pioneers of mental health’s role in the golf space.

Between 2019 and 2024, we successfully raised approximately $30,000 for veteran causes and other organizations through our golf tournaments. Through these events, we have been able to forge partnerships with entertainment leaders in Nashville, successfully blending the worlds of live music and golf.

Our goals is to create a centralized platform for student athletes and golfers to explore game improvement, mental health, community outreach, and educational programs. Our efforts aim to benefit golf’s community leaders, the golfers playing, and the golf courses we play.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Plus 3 Golf, we are committed to addressing critical issues in mental health, supporting veterans, and fostering young talent in golf. Grounded in research that highlights golf’s therapeutic benefits, we are shaping a future where the sport plays an essential role in mental wellness. Our initiatives include developmental programs and scholarships for aspiring college athletes, providing them with resources for personal development while enhancing local golf communities. We aim to reduce barriers, amplify impact, and bring people together through golf.

Despite my setbacks with substance abuse and depression, I have learned that sometimes we have to give up to give back. Life’s challenges often mirror our own inner struggles and navigating those turns requires tailored resources, services, and education. We want to be that support net for golfers, embracing those adversities and staying focused on the mission even when the road gets tough.

Since 2019, our tournaments have raised over $30,000 to support veteran causes. By blending the traditions of golf with Nashville’s vibrant music scene, we’ve created unique experiences for golfers that foster connection and camaraderie. Our vision is to build a platform for golfers to access game improvement resources, mental health support, industry insights, and opportunities for community engagement.

Plus 3 Golf is on a mission to turn personal adversity into a force for good. It reflects the therapeutic power of golf with the limitless potential of creativity. Our successes will evolve and improve, but whether its small victories on the course or stories of resilience off the course, our ultimate goal is simple: saving lives through the game of golf.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Naturally, we are going golfing. I would book tee times across middle Tennessee, but we would start at Hermitage Golf Course, the Presidents Course. This course offers lush fairways, smooth greens, great staff, and a wondering herd of sheep for pictures. Afterwards, we’d embark on a hot chicken tour, debating on who has the best hot chicken in town; Party Fowl always has my vote. We would then head to Topgolf, meeting and competing with country musicians and friends of P3G. Once the excitement wears off from a night of golf and live music, we would then road trip to the Tennessee mountains. We would book a cabin tucked away in the mountains, disappearing for a couple days. Enjoying those iconic Tennessee views, playing music with friends, and escaping daily noises with the silence of seclusion.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am fortunate and humbled by those involved with Plus 3 Golf. The right people continue to show up, but there are 2 people who were with me from the start. Jason Johnson and Jonathon Bowman became my backbone for personal and professional development. They selflessly offered their time, expertise, and energy in efforts to support me and the vision for Plus 3 Golf.

Jason, Founder of Project K9 Hero, has been a catalyst for our tournaments as well as our overall progress. His willingness and readiness to show support is unmatched. Project K9 Hero has been the Title Sponsor at our P3G tournaments and has been a personal and professional mentor. His drive and passion for supporting the K9 community is inspiring and motivating, pushing me to become a better, stronger leader for my organization.

Jonathon, Secretary of Plus 3 Golf and Co-Owner of Plus 3 Golf Media, has been involved with me since the first tournament in 2019. He currently owns and operates JBowman Creative, a successful creative agency here in Nashville Tennessee. His experience and perspective brought practicality to the overall operation, grounding the P3G mission with application while capturing moments with drone shots from the sky. His skill set is dynamic, crucial for executing our big picture goals.

For 2025, I have added key players to the team. This includes Ben Kassman (Vice President), Parker Diffie (Director of Entertainment), Morgan Cyrus (Entertainment Advisor), Andrew Farrer (Veteran Liaison), Chris Midgett (Tournament Coordinator), and Erik Esparza (Business Development & Outreach).

They each represent an avenue of opportunity for expansion and community impact. Together, we are striving to redefine mental health’s role in the golf space.

Website: https://plus3golf.org

Instagram: plus3golf

Facebook: plus3golf

Other: TikTok:
@plus3golf
@plus3golfmedia

Instagram:
@plus3golf
@plus3golfmedia

plus3golf.org
plus3golfmedia.com

Image Credits
Plus 3 Golf Media

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